Article Dirigible Gas Delivery Gas 12 25 18

Delivery of Natural Gas by Air Cylinders C&R, Alexander Bolonkin abolonkin@gmail.com

Abstract The article deals with the delivery of natural gas by air cylinders through the atmosphere. It is shown that such

delivery is much cheaper and faster than the usual delivery of the main land or underwater high-pressure steel gas

pipes or ships. There are no huge costs for laying main gas pipelines (2 -7 billion dollars), special sea vessels-

refrigerators, special plants for liquefaction and gasification of natural gas, compression or liquefaction of gas.

Delivery is carried out immediately from the place of gas production to anywhere in any country. The cost of delivery

is reduced tenfold.

------------------------------ Key words: delivery natural gas in aerial balloons. Low cost delivery of the gas.

Introduction

Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel consisting primarily of methane (CH4). Natural gas is

not only cheaper, but burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, and produces less

carbon dioxide per unit energy released. For an equivalent amount of heat, burning natural gas

produces about 30% less carbon dioxide than burning petroleum and about 45% less than burning

coal.

The major difficulty in the use of natural gas is transportation and storage because of its

low density. Natural gas conventional pipelines are economical, but they are impractical across

oceans. Many existing pipelines in North America are close to reaching their capacity, prompting

some politicians representing colder areas to speak publicly of potential shortages.

With 15 nations accounting for 84% of the world-wide production, access to natural gas

has become a significant factor in international economics and politics. The world's largest gas

field by far is Qatar's offshore North Field, estimated to have 25 trillion cubic meters (9.0×1014

cu

ft) of gas in place—enough to last more than 200 years at optimum production levels. The second

largest natural gas field is the South Pars Gas Field in Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf.

Connected to Qatar's North Field, it has estimated reserves of 8 to 14 trillion cubic meters

(2.8×1014

to 5.0×1014

cu ft) of gas.

In the past, the natural gas which was recovered in the course of recovering petroleum

could not be profitably sold and was simply burned at the oil field (known as flaring). This

wasteful practice is now illegal in many countries. Additionally, companies now recognize that

value for the gas may be achieved with liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas

(CNG), or other transportation methods to end-users in the future. LNG carriers can be used to

transport (LNG) across oceans, while tank trucks can carry liquefied or CNG over shorter

distances. They may transport natural gas directly to end-users, or to distribution points such as

pipelines for further transport. These may have a higher cost, requiring additional facilities for

liquefaction or compression at the production point, and then gasification or decompression at

end-use facilities or into a pipeline.

Pipelines are generally the most economical way to transport large quantities of oil or

natural gas over land. Compared to railroad, they have lower cost per unit and also higher

capacity. Although pipelines can be built under the sea, that process is economically and

technically demanding, so the majority of oil at sea is transported by tanker ships. The current

supertankers include Very Large Crude Carriers and Ultra Large Crude Carriers. Because, when

full, some of the large supertankers can dock only in deep-water ports, they are often lightened by

transferring the petroleum in small batches to smaller tankers, which then bring it into port. On

rivers, barges are often used to transport petroleum.

Pipelines, most commonly transport liquid and gases, but pneumatic tubes that transport

solid capsules using compressed air have also been used. Transportation pressure is generally

1,000 pounds per square inch (70 kilograms per square centimeter up to 220 atm) because

transportation costs are lowest for pressures in this range. Pipeline diameters for such long-

distance transportation have tended to increase from an average of about 24 to 29 inches (60 to 70

centimeters) in 1960 to about 4 feet (1.20 meters). Some projects involve diameters of more than

6 1/2 feet (2 meters). Because of pressure losses, the pressure is boosted every 50 or 60 miles (80

or 100 kilometers) to keep a constant rate of flow.

Oil pipelines are made from steel or plastic tubes with inner diameter typically from 10 to

120 cm (about 4 to 48 inches). Most pipelines are buried at a typical depth of about 1 - 2 meters

(about 3 to 6 feet). The oil is kept in motion by pump stations along the pipeline, and usually

flows at speed of about 1 to 6 m/s.

For natural gas, pipelines are constructed of carbon steel and varying in size from 2 inches

(51 mm) to 56 inches (1,400 mm) in diameter, depending on the type of pipeline. The gas is

pressurized by compressor stations and is odorless unless mixed with a mercaptan odorant where

required by the proper regulating body. Pumps for liquid pipelines and Compressors for gas

pipelines, are located along the line to move the product through the pipeline. The location of

these stations is defined by the topography of the terrain, the type of product being transported, or

operational conditions of the network.

Block Valve Station is the first line of protection for pipelines. With these valves the

operator can isolate any segment of the line for maintenance work or isolate a rupture or leak.

Block valve stations are usually located every 20 to 30 miles (48 km), depending on the type of

pipeline.

Conventional pipelines can be the target of theft, vandalism, sabotage, or even terrorist

attacks. In war, pipelines are often the target of military attacks, as destruction of pipelines can

seriously disrupt enemy logistics.

The ground gas and oil pipeline significantly damage the natural environment, but as the

demand is so great, ecological concerns are over-ridden by economic factors.

Natural gas pipelines. The long-distance transportation of natural gas became practical in

the late 1920s with improvements in pipeline technology. From 1927 to 1931 more than ten major

gas pipeline systems were built in the United States. Gas pipelines in Canada connect gas fields in

western provinces to major eastern cities. One of the longest gas pipelines in the world is the

Northern Lights pipeline, which is 3,400 miles (5,470 kilometers) long and links the West

Siberian gas fields on the Arctic Circle with locations in Eastern Europe.

Some currently planned pipeline projects:

The Nabucco pipeline is a planned natural gas pipeline that will transport natural gas from

Turkey to Austria, via Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. It will run from Erzurum in Turkey to

Baumgarten an der March, a major natural gas hub in Austria. This pipeline is a diversion from

the current methods of importing natural gas solely from Russia which exposes EC to dependence

and insecurity of the Kremlin practices. The project is backed by the European Union and the

United States.

The pipeline will run from Erzurum in Turkey to Baumgarten an der March in Austria

with total length of 3,300 kilometers (2,050 mi). It will be connected near Erzurum with the

Tabriz-Erzurum pipeline, and with the South Caucasus Pipeline, connecting Nabucco Pipeline

with the planned Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline. Polish gas company PGNiG is studying the

possibility of building a link to Poland with the Nabucco gas pipeline.

Fig.1. Requires ground right of way and results in damage to ecology

Fig.2. LPG tanker.

In the first years after completion the deliveries are expected to be between 4.5 and

13 billion cubic meters (bcm) per annum, of which 2 to 8 bcm goes to Baumgarten. Later,

approximately half of the capacity is expected to be delivered to Baumgarten and half of the

natural gas is to serve the markets en-route. The transmission volume of around 2020 is expected

to reach 31 bcm per annum, of which up to 16 bcm goes to Baumgarten. The diameter of the

pipeline would be 56 inches (1,420 mm).

The project is developed by the Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH. The managing

director of the company is Reinhardt Mitschek. The shareholders of the company are: OMV

(Austria), MOL (Hungary), Transgaz (Romania), Bulgargaz (Bulgaria), BOTAŞ (Turkey), RWE

(Germany).

In 2006, Gazprom proposed an alternative project competing Nabucco Pipeline by

constructing a second section of the Blue Stream pipeline beneath the Black Sea to Turkey, and

extending this up through Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia to western Hungary. In 2007, the South

Stream project through Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary to Austria was proposed. It is seen as a rival

to the Nabucco pipeline. Ukraine proposed White Stream, connecting Georgia to Ukrainian gas

transport network.

These mega-pipeline projects and others currently planned will require investment of at least

$200 Billion in the next few years.

The cost of US LNG in Europe:

The price of gas in the hub 2.2*36=$79.2/thousand m3

The cost of gas Liquefaction $ 3.5*36=$126/thousand m3

The cost of gas Transportation $ 1.0*36=$36/thousand m3

The cost of gas Regasification $ 0.5*36=$18/thousand m3

The total price of gas: $7.2*36=$ 259.2/thousand m3 against Gazprom $5.0*36=$180/thousand m

3

1 thousand m3=36 million BTU

Fig.3. The cost of US LNG in Europe. Look your attention: The USA LNG cost about

$260/thousand m3 against Gazprom (pipeline) $5.0*36=$180/thousand m

3

Description of Innovation

The main component of the natural gas is methane which has a specific weight less than air. A lift force of

one cubic meter of methane equals approximately 0.5 kg (1 pound). The article discusses the delivery of

natural gas by air cylinders from thin film (reinforced by strong fibers) through the atmosphere. It is shown

that such delivery is much cheaper and faster than the usual delivery by trunk land or underwater high-

pressure steel gas pipes or marine vessels. There are no huge costs for laying gas pipelines ($ 2-7 billion),

special marine vessels - refrigerators, special plants for liquefying and gasifying natural gas, pressing or

liquefying gas. Delivery is carried out immediately from the place of production of gas to any part of any

country. Shipping and delivery cost is reduced tenfold.

Figure 4 shows the typical airship which can be used for delivery the caravan of gas cylinders.

The cost of US LNG in Europe

The price of gas in the hub $ 2.2*36=$79.2/thousand m3

The cost of gas Liquefaction $3.5*36=$126/thousand m3

The cost of gas Transportation $1.0*36=$36/thousand m3

The cost of gas Regasification $0.5*36=$36/thousand m3

The Total price of gas: $ 7.2* 36 = $ 259.2 / thousand m3

For comparison: Gazprom- $ 5.0 * 36 = $ 180 thousand m3

Fig.4. Typical Airship.

Delivery the gas cylinders (aerial gas balloons) may be helicopter, aircraft, airship (fig.5).

Fig.5. Delivery the gas cylinders (aerial gas balloons) by: a – helicopter; b – aircraft; c – airship. Notation: 1

– box for cargo, pump for pumping gas. One also can has vessel for water and heater for gas (air); 2 -

inflatable wing with a flap for lift control in flight; 3 – inflatable stabilizer.

Design features. To cylinder has attached a box, which contains a hose for pumping gas. In the box can be placed cargo

for transportation or a vessel with water to balance the excess lift. Box can have a heater for gas (air). The

cylinder may remain at the consumer as a gas keeper, and after using all the gas, roll up into a roll and

climb on the next delivery. The balloon may have a small inflatable wing with a flap. This will allow the lift

to be adjusted in flight. The cylinder may have a double shell, which will block the holes in the event of its

shelling by terrorists, and will not allow gas to leak. Double shall also saves the temperature into cylinder.

The cylinder may have a movable light internal film that will divide the internal volume into two sections:

with methane and warm air, heated by exhaust gases or a special heater. This will allow you to adjust the

lifting force during partial pumping of gas. The double shell will also allow you to save a heat for a long

time.

Estimation of Gas Delivery by Cylinders (balloon).

Estimation of geometric data, volume, surface, lift force and mass the gas cylinders.

1. Volume and gas mass of one cylinder (balloon)

v ~ D2l/4 [m

3], M = ρv [kg], (1)

where: D is average diameter of cylinder [m]; l is length of cylinder [m], M is gas mass [kg],

ρ = 0.72 kg/m3 is gas methane density. Example, for D = 20 m, l = 100 m, v = 31,400 m

3,

M = 22,608 kg.

2. Area of surface

, [m2]. (2)

For D = 20 m, l = 100 m, A = 6.28×103 m

2.

3. Lift force F of is

F = (ρa - ρm)v , (4)

where: ρa = 1.225 kg/m3 is air density for standard atmosphere in altitude H = 0 and temperature

15oC; ρm = 0.72 kg/m

3 is methane density; v = D

2l/4 is volume of cylinder [m

3], F is lift force

[kg]. Specific lift force of methane is 0.5 kg/m3. For D = 20 m, F = 15,700 kg.

The effect of changes in gas temperature inside the cylinder on the lifting force. Within the limits of usual temperatures for any gas, a change in its temperature by an amount (δT / 273) causes a change in its relative lifting force by the same amount, i.e. δF = 100·δT / 273 [% ] (5)

Example: Change of temperature in 70oC creates the change the lift force in 100·70/273 = 25.6%.

This effect may be used for control of lift force.

Estimation the thickness and mass of cylinder cover.

4. Dynamic pressure in maximum speed V = 20 m/s = 72 km/hour is

q = ρV2/2 = 1.225 20

2/2 = 245 [N/m

2]. (6)

3. The increment internal gas pressure p must be more then p > q. Let us take

p = 1000 N/m2. (7)

4. Industry produces the artificial fibers having maximal tensile stress σ1 = 500 ÷ 600

kg/mm2 = 5 ÷ 6·10

8 N/m

2 and specific mass γ1 = 3500 kg/m

3.

Let as make the cylinder shell from two matter: fiber and film Tedlar (PVF) (last usually

used for dirigible shell). Tedlar has specific mass 2 = 636 kg/m3. Fiber takes the tensile

force. Film Tedlar used for sealing, bonding and welding. Let us take safety stress σ1 = 30 kg/mm

2 = 3·10

7 N/m

2.

For D = 20 m the thickness of fiber (layer one) is

δ1 = (p/σ)D = 0.0666 mm. (8)

The volume is

v1 =Aδ1 = 0.418 m3. (9)

The mass is

M1 = γ1v1 = 1463 kg. (10)

Let us take the thickness the layer two (Tedlar) δ1= 0.05 mm. His mass is M2 = 200 kg.

The total mass of cylinder shell having average diameter D = 20 m (with equipment) is

M = M1 + M2 = 1663 kg ~ 2000 kg. (11)

Results of computation for another D =10 ÷ 25 m and l = 100 m are presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Geometric data, lift force and mass the gas cylinders having length l = 100 m.

Average

diameter, m

Volume,

1000 m3

Surface

1000 m2

Lift force,

kg

Shell+

mass, kg

10 7.85 3.14 3920 1000

15 12.4 4.71 8850 1500

20 31.4 6.28 15700 2000

25 49 7.85 24500 2500

5. Required thrust T and power P for transporting one cylinder with a diameter of 20 m.

T = CpqA [N], P = TV [W], (12)

where Cp ~ 0.003 - the coefficient of turbulent air friction on the surface, q is dynamic pressure (6).

6. Time of flight in distance L = 1000 km is:

t = L/V [sec], 1 hour = 3600 sec, t = L/V/3600. [hour]. (13)

7. The fuel consumption of a piston engine in cruising mode is equal to ε = 0.48 kg/kW·hour (АШ-82) and taking into account the efficiency propeller η = 0.8, we get ε = 0.6 kW/hour. The good turbo-reactive engine in cruising mode has ε = 0.22 kg/kW·hour (HK-12) and taking into account the efficiency propeller η = 0.8, we get ε = 0.275 kg/kW·hour. The power turbo-reactive having propeller is two time efficiency. We made estimation for piston engine in Table 2. The power of engine equals P = TV [W]. (14) The fuel consumption Q for distance L = 1000 km is:

Q = εtP [kg], (15)

where t is in hour; P is in kW. In recalculation for gas volume 1000 m3 and diameter 20 m having

gas volume v = 31.4·103 m

3 (see Table 1), we get that fuel consumption is:

Q1000 = Q/v = Q/31.4 [kg/1000]. (15) If gas has calorific value µ = 40,000 J/m3, benzine has calorific value 40,000 J/kg, the engine spends gas fuel in % kg equals cubic meter. Result of computation are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Estimation of trust, power, delivery time for cylinder having diameter 20 m. Fuel consumption calculus for piston engine, distance 1000 km and gas volume 1000 m3.

V speed m/sec

V speed km/hour

Trust T [N]

Power P [kW]

Time hour

Full Fuel Q kg

Fuel for 1000 m3

Fuel gas in %

5 18 770 3.85 56 130 4.14 0.0041

10 36 3077 41.3 28 670 21.3 0.021

15 54 6923 139 18.5 1510 48. 0.048

20 72 12500 335 14 2794 87. 0.087

Information.

Cost and time of building some pipelines in Table 3.

Table 3. Design and current pipelines.

# Pipeline Length,

km

Sea

part,

km

Cost

1 line,

$Billion

Cost

1 km,

$mln/km

Min.

diameter,

m

Deliver

capacity,

km3/year

Final

year of

building

1 Russia-

Germany

1200 1200 5 4.2 1.1 27.5 2010

2 Russia-

Bulgaria

900 900 10 11 ? 30 2013

3 Asia-

Europa

3300 - 10 3 1.2 4.5-28 2013

4 Russia-

Turkey

1230 396 3.2 2.64 0.61 16 1997

5 Albania- 520 - 1.9 3.65 ? 10 2011

Italy

6 Turkey-

Greece

296 17 ? - 0.914 7 2007

7 Greece-

Italy

800 200 1.6 2 ? 8 2012

Source of 1-7, Wikipedia.

Data of North Stream-1 pipelines.

Construction

Length 1224 km, cost 5 B$, deliver capacity 27.5 km3/year.

Diameter of tube (external) -1220 mm, working diameter (internal) – 1153 mm.

Thickness of tube – 27- 41 mm.

The outer layer of the pipeline with a thickness of 60–110 mm is a layer of a concrete jacket; under the concrete jacket - corrosion-resistant layer.

Operating pressure— 220 bar (22 МPа, 217 atm.).

Technical details • Number of pipeline sections: 199,755. • Mass of one section of pipeline: 24 tons. • It takes 12 days for gas from the Russian end of the pipeline to reach the end of the pipeline located in Germany. Flow speed – 1.1 m/s. • The construction involved 148 ships. • The total mass of steel used in the construction of the pipeline is 2.42 million tons.

Advantages compared to gas pipelines: 1. The initial cost of the entire system is reduced by hundreds and thousands of times. To build a pipe

system, you need to invest 2-4 billion dollars and wait for the start of income 3-6 years. For the proposed

system, it is necessary to invest several millions (2-3 air tractors and 12–20 gas cylinders) and further

expand the system with gas revenues. Creation time 0.5-1 year.

2. Delivery is carried out directly from the manufacturer to the consumer without building an expensive

central distribution system from the seaport and / or central distribution system within the country.

3. Delivery can be made to landlocked countries or connections to main pipelines.

4) There is no payment for the pipeline passing through the territory of third countries. No blackmail on

the part of these countries.

5) At any time, the owner of the air network can change both the supplier and the consumer. He can

even switch to regular paid freight.

6) There is no need for special gas storage facilities. Gas can be transferred (stored) in cylinders, which will be collected rolled-empty upon the next delivery. 7) Delivery is carried out by caravans of plastic film cylinders with a capacity of 40-100 thousand cubic meters, moved by a helicopter, a small plane or airship at a speed of 50 - 100 km / hour.

8) Delivery begins immediately after the discovery of the field.

Discussion

Offered method is no huge expenses and long terms for laying pipelines, building compressor stations or plants for liquefying natural gas. It is no needs for an internal distribution network from the seaport or from the central distribution station within the receiving country. Gas comes directly from the supplier to

small customer, even in small villages. Shipping way depends a little on third countries. Associated gas during oil production can be immediately delivered to consumers. For delivery of 20 Bm3 of gas per year at a distance of 1000 km, about 200 cylinders are required. If each balloon is worth $ 5,000, then the total value of all (200) bottles is between 1 and 2 million dollars. Recall that Nord Stream 1 is somewhat more productive and range costs $ 4 billion.

Acknowledgement

The author is grateful to Alexey Apanasenko (Ukraine), who drew his attention to this topic and for the first time suggested using airships with solar cells for gas caravans.

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Finished 31/12/2018